Some people will go to any lengths for a spot of good networking – but how about 350km? Some 40 startup folk will rely on pedal power when they travel from Prague to Berlin next month for Techbikers. The trip is designed to improve contacts between the two tech scenes as well as raise money for a good cause. This year, it’s dotHIV, which is trying to redefine how you can show your support for charities online – .hiv is the first top-level domain which is purely for good causes.
Last year, 40 people cycled from Paris to London over three days as part of the first Techbikers and raised €30,000 for Room to Read, funding a school and two school libraries in Nepal – and in 2013, organisers are hoping for a similar figure.
And it’s not only a great way to help out a good cause, but it’s also a wonderful chance to get to know some interesting – not to say useful – people and see a side of Europe that you would otherwise miss out on.
Lea Bauer, initiator of Techbikers Germany, said: “We are very excited about our collaboration with dotHIV – basically a Berlin startup with a background in social issues. DotHIV uses technology to do good in an area which has been out of society’s focus since the 1990s. The combination of a technology-oriented approach and a global strategy, which has also impressed the startup scene, makes dotHIV an ideal partner.”
The money raised through Techbikers will go towards funding the dotHIV platform, and specifically, allowing people to decide which other charities it should support.
Michael Trautmann from dotHIV said: “We are thrilled and very, very grateful that Techbikers chose dotHIV. I believe that the two ideas are a perfect match.”
The ride takes place from July 26-28 and registration is open now. You need to have a reasonable level of fitness and be an entrepreneur or part of the startup scene. It costs €280 to take part, which includes transport to the start point in Prague, accommodation, food and technical support for any problems with your bike. Techbikers is a non-profit event; every penny raised will go to the good cause. In addition, each participant commits to raising €750 in donations.
